Hip & Historic Georgetown Offers Exciting Alfresco Dining Options at a Table or on the Water

The first signs of spring in Washington, D.C. have driven diners on a search for the best outdoor dining spots to enjoy spectacular views and prime people-watching. For those who enjoy delicious food and refreshing libations outdoors in the warmth of the sun’s rays or under the dazzling night sky, Georgetown offers many new outdoor dining hot spots and some classic al fresco restaurants and cafés to both locals and visitors alike.

The most exciting al fresco dining options in hip & historic Georgetown include:


1. Old Glory: Situated in the heart/center of Georgetown, Old Glory’s lively rooftop patio is considered a coveted Georgetown gem and offers a wonderful outdoor dining experience. To salute the essence and diversity of the nation's regional cooking styles, Old Glory offers genuinely slow cooked meats and an array of regional housemade barbecue sauces and dry rubs that reflect the styles developed in some of the country's greatest barbecue locales. Old Glory is located at 3139 M Street NW. Please call (202) 337-3406 for more information or reservations.



2. Bourbon Steak: Adjacent to its ‘see-and-be-seen’ bar, Bourbon Steak has a stunning, tucked away, full-service outdoor dining patio complete with comfortable arm chairs, umbrellas and gardens that invites its guests to lounge and enjoy the beautiful Georgetown weather. In keeping with the importance of power daytime dining in the nation's capital, Bourbon Steak's creator, Michael Mina and Executive Chef David Varley, have created distinctive lunch and dinner menus sourced from the East and West Coasts to offer a culinary experience sure to delight guests. Known for his signature slow-poaching method of cooking, Mina delivers a modern menu that focuses on the finest meats and seafood available both locally and worldwide. Bourbon Steak is located at 2800 Pennsylvania Avenue NW within the Four Seasons Hotel. Please call (202) 944-2026 for more information or reservations.


3. Sequoia: D.C.’s outdoor ‘go-to’ restaurant and bar for many years, Sequoia has an expansive three-tier outdoor terrace overlooking the Potomac River with beautiful views of the Washington Monument, Kennedy Center & Virginia skyline. This outdoor dining patio is complete with a mesquite wood fire grill and its renowned River Bar. Sequoia offers eclectic American Cuisine for both lunch and dinner. Sequoia is located at Washington Harbour, 3000 K Street NW. Please call (202) 944-4200 for more information or reservations.


4. Neyla: Neyla’s outdoor seating provides a perfect seat for people-watching on the streets of Georgetown. A treat for the senses and social graces, Neyla’s food melds the best of all Mediterranean cultures. Inspired by Romanesque Mediterranean villas, and influenced by the myriad peoples who settled in that wondrous part of the world, Neyla is a delightful mix of exotic cultures, inspired in the homes, hearths and taverns of the rugged land known first as Phoenicia, then the Ottoman Empire, and later the Republic of Lebanon. Neyla is located at 3206 N Street NW. Please call (202) 333-6353 for more information or reservations.



5. Farmers & Fishers: Savor field-to-table contemporary American fare while overlooking the Washington Harbour and Potomac River. Outdoor tables may be reserved. Farmers & Fishers is located at 3000 K Street NW #101. Please call (202) 298-0003 for more information or reservations.



6. Café La Ruche: This quaint, charming café has been around for more than 40 years and is tucked away on a side street in the heart of Georgetown. Locals love Café La Ruche’s outdoor brick patio and enjoy traditional French fare in a relaxing atmosphere. The café’s fresh made desserts are a must-try and the quiches and salads are the perfect complement to a bright, spring afternoon. Café La Ruche is located at 1039 31st Street NW. Please call (202) 965-2684 for more information or reservations.


7. Puro Café: Georgetown newcomer Puro Café is known for its chic interior décor and cozy fireplace, but the café also has a secluded outdoor patio ideal for sipping a much-needed morning cup of coffee or refreshing Puro Lemonade on a sunny day. Puro’s Mediterranean-inspired menu offers a variety of fresh salads, paninis, flatbreads and pastries. Puro Café is located at 1529 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Please call (202) 787-1937 for more information or reservations.



8. Peacock Café: One of the most popular and friendly restaurants in Georgetown, Peacock Café is a hot spot for outdoor dining in Georgetown. Whether it be for their celebrated Happy Day brunch, a tasty lunch after a day of Georgetown shopping, or a romantic dinner with that someone special, the cafe’s outdoor patio is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious contemporary American meal. Peacock Café is located at 3251 Prospect Street NW. Please call (202) 625-2740 for more information or reservations.


9. Il Canale: Georgetown’s hot new eatery, Il Canale, gives diners an authentic taste of Italy without the airfare. The sleekly designed Italian restaurant offers diners a gorgeous rooftop terrazza overlooking the C&O Canal and Georgetown scene, perfect for a romantic date or glass of wine with friends after a long day. Recently named “Best New Pizza” in the Washington City Paper’s 2010 “Best Of” Staff Picks, this genuine Italian hot spot offers Neapolitan thin crust pizzas, delicious pastas, risottos and more. Il Canale is located at 1063 31st Street NW. Please call (202) 337-4444 for more information or reservations.


10. Patisserie Poupon: This friendly neighborhood bakery’s outdoor patio places guests in an authentic Parisian bistro setting. Patisserie Poupon’s chic outdoor dining area is very popular during warm weather months and offers an al fresco locale for diners to nibble on authentic French pastries, light salads, sandwiches and rich quiches. Patisserie Poupon is located at 1645 Wisconsin Avenue NW. Please call (202) 342-3248 for more information or reservations.


Best Picnic Places: Sometimes, a beautiful day calls for an afternoon of eating lunch outside; however, time isn’t always available so a sit-down restaurant may not be the best option. Known as Washington, DC’s waterfront playground, Georgetown offers unique locations to find the perfect bench with an inspirational view for half the cost and time of a sit-down restaurant. Visitors can unwind from a busy morning or take a much-needed break from work to take in breathtaking views and absorb the city’s beauty:


* The Georgetown Waterfront Park: A surprising oasis of greenery, the Georgetown Waterfront Park offers a well-landscaped setting with waterside views of Theodore Roosevelt Island and the Kennedy Center. Park benches, paved paths, flowering plants and sprawling lawns create a very inviting setting between Washington Harbour and Key Bridge. The Park is located starting at the corner of K & Wisconsin Avenue.


* C&O Canal National Historic Park: C&O stands for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which was once used for shipping goods to the Potomac River. It is a 185 mile long canal completed in 1850 that runs from Georgetown to Great Falls, Virginia. Those visiting popular Georgetown can take a quick detour down one of the town’s many side streets to see the canal up close, and the historic park offers many places for picnicking and fun outdoor activities.


* Francis Scott Key Park: Located at the intersection of M Street and the Key Bridge, this Park provides a serene oasis of trees, benches and respite from the busy Georgetown streets. Pick up a salad from Sweetgreen and a few Georgetown Cupcakes, and enjoy this outdoor retreat for lunch.


* Montrose Park: Montrose Park is sandwiched between Dumbarton Oaks and the cemetery on R St. between 30th and 31st Streets. The sizable park features two large open field areas, picnic tables, park benches, a playground, and a scenic path to take an energizing walk around the park.


* Rose Park: Rose Park is located between Georgetown and Dupont Circle between 26th and O Streets, and offers playgrounds, tennis courts and wide open fields which are perfect for dog watching. Benches and tables are available for those looking to enjoy a relaxing meal.

To pair with these picture-perfect picnic locations, some delicious to-go food options in Georgetown include:


* Visit Sweetgreen for one of their fresh signature salads or refreshing frozen yogurts located at 3333 M St. NW.
* Grab a farm-fresh artisan gelato or a fresh cup of coffee from Dolcezza located at 1560 Wisconsin Ave.NW.
* Tackle Box gives patrons an opportunity to experience the beach, at least in terms of cuisine, within the heart of the city, located at 3245 M St. NW.
* Dean & Deluca offers a wide variety of artisan breads, gourmet cheeses, high-quality produce and case after case of prepared foods, desserts, and other gourmet items such as beef tenderloin and crab cakes, all of which would make for a perfect casual picnic. Dean & Deluca is located at 3276 M St. NW.


These restaurants and cafes are just a few of the very many outdoor dining options that the historic city of Georgetown has to offer. It is these outdoor dining areas where people can truly take in the beauty, fragrance and fare of the city, making each experience unique and memorable on an individual basis. Customers should expect outdoor dining to be available anytime between now and mid-April.